A person with gingivitis can have bad breath. Gingivitis can cause bad breath. As discussed earlier, gingivitis is caused by inflamed gums due to plaque buildup at the base of teeth. When plaque is not properly removed from teeth, it can grow in the mouth. Bacteria is a living microorganism that performs its own biological processes in order to maintain life and carry out its functions. Like any other living organism, bacteria also need food to survive. The mouth is a very hospitable environment for bacteria. The bacteria in plaque consume and use the tiny pieces of food left in an individual’s mouth. These food pieces are used by the bacteria to reproduce, produce energy and perform other functions. As the bacteria breakdown these food pieces, they release gases in the mouth. These gases can be foul-smelling and cause bad breath.
Find out more about the symptoms of gingivitis.